Thinking about buying this motorcycle

[J.D.]

Stromba, is that a v-star 1100 or 650?? If it's a 650 it will most likely be to small for you and you will be bored in a few weeks. If it's the 1100 ask the dealer how to change the oil filter, I was going to get the 1100 a few years ago, but to change the oil filter you had to remove the exhaust. Something to think about.



Here's a good site to read reviews on different bikes.

http://www.motorcycleworld.com/

[bonebreaker]

Originally posted by Timma
If you're gonna get a bike then get a Harley.

Stromba, Nice ride, BUT. Go the extra distance and get a Harley. I just bought a new 2004 Fat Boy, Smokey Gold/Vivid Black and what a ride! Won't go like the crotch rockets, but will turn heads!! I didn't like the factory pipes, so I had a set of "Screaming Eagles" put on. This required a new chip because it's a fuel injected bike, plus a different air cleaner--Total add ons--$1000, but it looks great and sounds even better. In three years the bike you're looking at will probably be worth a third of what you paid for it. A Harley, if taken care of, will be worth pretty much the same next year, and the next and the next, etc., if NOT MORE! But as many have said, you've got to "keep the rubber side down, and the shiny side up". Yes, you will always lose in a bike wreck, but what the hell! Plus, I believe you live in Fla., so you can ride year round without putting on Eskimo gear. Good luck either way. BB

[TheStromba]

Originally posted by J.D.
Stromba, is that a v-star 1100 or 650?? If it's a 650 it will most likely be to small for you and you will be bored in a few weeks. If it's the 1100 ask the dealer how to change the oil filter, I was going to get the 1100 a few years ago, but to change the oil filter you had to remove the exhaust. Something to think about.



Here's a good site to read reviews on different bikes.

http://www.motorcycleworld.com/

Thanks, It's a 650. I am not a big guy 5'9 195.

Truthfully it seemed like plenty of bike for me. I would prolly rather get board and trade up than get something I can't handle comfortably.


Hopefully they changed the design on the 1100. That sux with the oil filter.

[TheStromba]

Originally posted by beefcake
Too bad you're not into choppers. You could get one done up by Choppers Inc since you're in florida. I see you haven't looked into crotch rockets. :D

LoL.

I am 40 years old dude...No crotch rockets for me.

My reaction time is not what it was when I was 18.

The shit I got away with when I was riding that dirt bike I would never even THINK about today.

[TheStromba]

Originally posted by bonebreaker
Stromba, Nice ride, BUT. Go the extra distance and get a Harley. I just bought a new 2004 Fat Boy, Smokey Gold/Vivid Black and what a ride! Won't go like the crotch rockets, but will turn heads!! I didn't like the factory pipes, so I had a set of "Screaming Eagles" put on. This required a new chip because it's a fuel injected bike, plus a different air cleaner--Total add ons--$1000, but it looks great and sounds even better. In three years the bike you're looking at will probably be worth a third of what you paid for it. A Harley, if taken care of, will be worth pretty much the same next year, and the next and the next, etc., if NOT MORE! But as many have said, you've got to "keep the rubber side down, and the shiny side up". Yes, you will always lose in a bike wreck, but what the hell! Plus, I believe you live in Fla., so you can ride year round without putting on Eskimo gear. Good luck either way. BB

I appreciate the advice. I know that the "rice burner" will be worth alot less. but I need the reliability.

My mechanic skills are terrible so if ANYTHING goes wrong I will have to take the bike in for service. S

So the Jap bike is more peace of mind too.

I'll keep the rubber side down. :)

[beefcake]

Originally posted by TheStromba
LoL.

I am 40 years old dude...No crotch rockets for me.

My reaction time is not what it was when I was 18.

The shit I got away with when I was riding that dirt bike I would never even THINK about today.

Yea, I hear you on that. There is a windy road up a mountain on the way to Lake Berryessa that me and some buddy's were riding on. One guy took a corner too hard and the bike slid out from under him. Bike went over the edge, and the only thing that caught him was a tree. After that he would turn the bike with the handle bars rather than leaning. :D Life is too damn good for you to chance throwing it away on a bike.

[TheStromba]

Originally posted by spidey
Shit! I had this whole longass response all written out and our server went down and I lost it all. :(

Here is the Cliff Notes, LOL.

If you aren't deadset on a NEW bike, check out http://www.volusiaowners.com . You can find some really good deals on used but pampered Suzuki Volusias with low milage and lots of extras. Have you seen a Vol? IMO, they look better than the Yamaha's V-Star. They are 805 CC displacement cruisers that handle extremly well and are good bikes for those just getting into bikes. Mine is mistaken for a Harley a lot since I removed the Suzuki insignia, LOL. They sort of resemble a Harley Fatboy but anyone who really knows anything about Harleys probably would not make that mistake. IMO, Harleys are over-rated and over priced. They are high maintenance and not nearly as dependable either and cost 5 times as much. Anyway, check them out.

As for safety, here is a summary of what I wrote before:

1) Don't daydream while you drive. You can't afford to take your mind off the road even for an instant. If you do, that's when you will have an accident.

2) Be hyper vigilant. People just don't see you as well and will pull out in front of you or merge into your lane. Always watch their front tires at an intersection, not their faces. If their tires start to move, take evasive action. Watch for animals crossing the road (especially at night). Hitting a deer with a car is bad enough but hitting one on a bike can be lethal.

3) Studies have shown that your visibility to other drivers is improved by keeping your headlight on bright during the day. A lightbar is not a bad idea either as it adds to visibility.

4) Loud pipes save lives. Install some loud aftermarket pipes like some Vance & Hines or Cobra slashcuts. The loudpipes help other drivers notice you and can prevent some obliviout from pulling out in front of you.

5) Crashbars are a good idea. They will help protect your legs and your bike if you do have to lay it down.

Great Info...Thank you :)

[Breeze]

Originally posted by Timma
If you're gonna get a bike then get a Harley.

This may make some people mad, but I gotta say this. First, I ride a Harley Fat Boy, custom to the hilt, and I love it- I ride my bike nearly every day, I've ridden all over the country. I am a biker, that is my lifestyle. Some people prefer crotchrockets, and they are fun to ride, I've owned one myself. But honestly, when I see someone on a Honda or a Yamaha that is made to look like a Harley, I have to just turn my head. These bikes are cheapass Harley wannabes and it's insulting to real bikers to see some dude on his V-star, decked out in leather, like he understands and respects the culture. If you ride a foreign Harley lookalike, you will never be accepted by true bikers. Get a crotch rocket or get a Harley or a custom, but don't be a Harley wannabe on a poser bike. Like i said, crotchrockets are fun bikes, and I'm not knocking them or saying that everybody should have a Harley, and I mean no offense to the bros with crotch rockets. I just wish people would choose one or the other. Some people will say that Harleys are too expensive, so go with a v-star or whatever- I grew up around a 1% club, and those guys certainly weren't rich- but they always had a real bike.

[TheStromba]

Originally posted by Breeze
This may make some people mad, but I gotta say this. First, I ride a Harley Fat Boy, custom to the hilt, and I love it- I ride my bike nearly every day, I've ridden all over the country. I am a biker, that is my lifestyle. Some people prefer crotchrockets, and they are fun to ride, I've owned one myself. But honestly, when I see someone on a Honda or a Yamaha that is made to look like a Harley, I have to just turn my head. These bikes are cheapass Harley wannabes and it's insulting to real bikers to see some dude on his V-star, decked out in leather, like he understands and respects the culture. If you ride a foreign Harley lookalike, you will never be accepted by true bikers. Get a crotch rocket or get a Harley or a custom, but don't be a Harley wannabe on a poser bike. Like i said, crotchrockets are fun bikes, and I'm not knocking them or saying that everybody should have a Harley, and I mean no offense to the bros with crotch rockets. I just wish people would choose one or the other. Some people will say that Harleys are too expensive, so go with a v-star or whatever- I grew up around a 1% club, and those guys certainly weren't rich- but they always had a real bike.

I realize that many Harley riders have this opinion. That is the only reason why I would consider a Harley.

If Harley made a bike that was twice as good for twice the money, I would buy one.

But they cash in on the culture bigtime, and I think true bikers should be pissed if anything. JMHO

I don't really wanna be a "biker", I am a middle aged professional that most of you guys make fun of. :)

But that's ok. I am just looking to have a little fun on the weekends :)

[spidey]

Originally posted by Breeze
This may make some people mad, but I gotta say this. First, I ride a Harley Fat Boy, custom to the hilt, and I love it- I ride my bike nearly every day, I've ridden all over the country. I am a biker, that is my lifestyle. Some people prefer crotchrockets, and they are fun to ride, I've owned one myself. But honestly, when I see someone on a Honda or a Yamaha that is made to look like a Harley, I have to just turn my head. These bikes are cheapass Harley wannabes and it's insulting to real bikers to see some dude on his V-star, decked out in leather, like he understands and respects the culture. If you ride a foreign Harley lookalike, you will never be accepted by true bikers. Get a crotch rocket or get a Harley or a custom, but don't be a Harley wannabe on a poser bike. Like i said, crotchrockets are fun bikes, and I'm not knocking them or saying that everybody should have a Harley, and I mean no offense to the bros with crotch rockets. I just wish people would choose one or the other. Some people will say that Harleys are too expensive, so go with a v-star or whatever- I grew up around a 1% club, and those guys certainly weren't rich- but they always had a real bike.

Those "cheapass Harley Wannabes" are 10 times as dependable as your Harley. I don't have to stop every hundred miles or so and tighten shit up on my bike. I don't know how many times I have seen shit just fall off a Harley while they rode; blinkers, reflecters, you name it. Harleys are just expensive piles of shit IMO. They aren't even really American bikes anymore either. Check your fatboy out and see where all those parts are manufactured. Most Harley parts are made in JAPAN :eek: . They are only assembled in America. Well guess what; my Suzuki has Japanese parts too and was also assembled in America (Suzuki of America). What makes your fall-apart Harley better than my Suzuki? In 6000 miles of riding I have never had to do any more than change the oil. Most of us don't really care if you "real" bikers accept us or not. We ride to have fun and forget about all the little shit. Oh, and we wear leather because it protects better than anything else if we do come off; not because we want to "look like we understand or respect the culture".

Forgive the rant but this "we Harley owners are the shit" crap is getting really old.

[bonebreaker]

Originally posted by spidey
Those "cheapass Harley Wannabes" are 10 times as dependable as your Harley. I don't have to stop every hundred miles or so and tighten shit up on my bike. I don't know how many times I have seen shit just fall off a Harley while they rode; blinkers, reflecters, you name it. Harleys are just expensive piles of shit IMO. They aren't even really American bikes anymore either. Check your fatboy out and see where all those parts are manufactured. Most Harley parts are made in JAPAN :eek: . They are only assembled in America. Well guess what; my Suzuki has Japanese parts too and was also assembled in America (Suzuki of America). What makes your fall-apart Harley better than my Suzuki? In 6000 miles of riding I have never had to do any more than change the oil. Most of us don't really care if you "real" bikers accept us or not. We ride to have fun and forget about all the little shit. Oh, and we wear leather because it protects better than anything else if we do come off; not because we want to "look like we understand or respect the culture".

Forgive the rant but this "we Harley owners are the shit" crap is getting really old.

Harleys at one time WERE notorious for nickel and dime AND dollar repairs, especially when AMF bought the company. However, they are much more dependable now, decidely so. They may not be as dependable as the other bikes on the market, but don't require 10 times the maintenance, that's absurd. I'm a professional person, much older than Stromba and most of you, and I chose a Harley because, to me, it's much more than a bike, there is a mistique attached to owning and riding one, well worth the price. You don't have to be a "biker" to ride a bike, you just have to want to. The "bikers", true "bikers" do have a different approach to their bikes and riding, etc.. But to me, anyone who rides is somewhat a "biker". If you were to ask people from all over the planet to name a motorcycle, the vast majority would say Harley. Not Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, etc. Again, Harleys are the legends of bikes, they used to conjure up the vision of burly bad ass guys who would just as sooon kill you as to look at you. That image still persists somewhat, but doctors, lawers, CFO'S, CEO'S and just plain old ordinary people are changing that perception of Harley riders, and for that matter, anybody who rides a bike. I personally will ride with anybody regardless of what their riding, to me, we have a common interest--riding a bike, and that makes us somewhat kin, if only while we ride together. But, if they are all on "crotchrockets", or "look alike" Harleys, and we pull into a place where many people are congregated, most of the people are going to listen to and watch me on my Fat Boy---Guaranteed. BB

[spidey]

Originally posted by bonebreaker
Harleys at one time WERE notorious for nickel and dime AND dollar repairs, especially when AMF bought the company. However, they are much more dependable now, decidely so. They may not be as dependable as the other bikes on the market, but don't require 10 times the maintenance, that's absurd. I'm a professional person, much older than Stromba and most of you, and I chose a Harley because, to me, it's much more than a bike, there is a mistique attached to owning and riding one, well worth the price. You don't have to be a "biker" to ride a bike, you just have to want to. The "bikers", true "bikers" do have a different approach to their bikes and riding, etc.. But to me, anyone who rides is somewhat a "biker". If you were to ask people from all over the planet to name a motorcycle, the vast majority would say Harley. Not Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, etc. Again, Harleys are the legends of bikes, they used to conjure up the vision of burly bad ass guys who would just as sooon kill you as to look at you. That image still persists somewhat, but doctors, lawers, CFO'S, CEO'S and just plain old ordinary people are changing that perception of Harley riders, and for that matter, anybody who rides a bike. I personally will ride with anybody regardless of what their riding, to me, we have a common interest--riding a bike, and that makes us somewhat kin, if only while we ride together. But, if they are all on "crotchrockets", or "look alike" Harleys, and we pull into a place where many people are congregated, most of the people are going to listen to and watch me on my Fat Boy---Guaranteed. BB

I have heard that Harley dependability has gone up recently. "ten times as dependable" is just an expression meaning "way more dependable". It wasn't meant as an actual measurement of how much more dependable, LOL.

I ride with anyone, including some with Harleys, and have a good time. I don't judge a person by what he/she rides. Like you said, we all share a common interest. I just get a little irked at the holier than thou attitude of some Harley riders like Breeze.

As for your Guarantee, I have seen differently. It depends on how the bikes are dressed out. Take a stock Harley and a stock "look alike" and I have seen pretty even distributions of people coming over to check them out. Now dress up the Harley and leave the "look alike" stock and you will be right every time. LIke I said, I have had a lot of people yell "nice Harley" on the way past. I have even taken my Volusia to bike rallies and had people standing around my bike with lots of Harleys around. It's all how you dress it up.

[Breeze]

Originally posted by TheStromba
I realize that many Harley riders have this opinion. That is the only reason why I would consider a Harley.

If Harley made a bike that was twice as good for twice the money, I would buy one.

But they cash in on the culture bigtime, and I think true bikers should be pissed if anything. JMHO

I don't really wanna be a "biker", I am a middle aged professional that most of you guys make fun of. :)

But that's ok. I am just looking to have a little fun on the weekends :)

You make good points. It's true that new Harleys are pricey, but they hold there value, so buying a Harley is not a bad investment. Harley's are priced the way they are because people are willing to pay. If Harleys competitors could sell their bikes for more, I'm sure they would. Theres no doubt that when you buy a Harley, you are paying for the name as well as the bike, which is part of the reason more and more people are going to custom bikes. And I apologize for generalizing folks who ride Harley lookalikes- I've just had a few encounters that make me feel that way towards certain individuals.